Nissan Sentra SE-R

The Nissan Sentra SE-R continues to hold a special place in Nissan's performance lineup in 2012. Following in the tradition of powerful, sporty sedans such as the Datsun 510 and the "4-Door Sports Car™" Maxima, the high-value, high-performance Sentra SE-R builds on the foundation of the Sentra sedan. It then adds a range of factory performance features, including a high-output 2.5-liter engine, tuned suspension and standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, to create a level of excitement and affordable performance all its own.

Once again in 2012, the Sentra SE-R is offered in two models, the SE-R and SE-R Spec V – both powered by Nissan's advanced 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (QR25DE). The SE-R is rated at 177 horsepower and the Sentra SE-R Spec V at 200 horsepower. The SE-R and SE-R Spec V are built on Nissan's global C-platform and offer a long list of standard safety features, including six supplemental air bags.

Both models are also equipped with unique (versus non-SE-R Sentra models) performance-oriented equipment and features. Special SE-R exterior and interior appearance items include standard sport appearance headlights and taillights, fog lights, sport grille, unique front and rear fascias, side sill spoilers, exhaust finish and SE-R or Spec-V rear decklid badging. For 2012, one new exterior color is offered: Red Alert (replaces Lava Red).

2012 Nissan Sentra SE-R Front Angle

Highlights of the 2012 Nissan Sentra SE-R include:

Body

  • Unique SE-R front and rear fascias, sport grille, side sill extensions, rear spoiler, SE-R badging
  • A long wheelbase of 105.7 inches, resulting in 97.7 cubic feet of passenger volume
  • A wide overall width of 70.5 inches (similar to that of many mid-size sedans)
  • 0.34 coefficient of drag
  • Standard fog lights
  • Available in five exterior colors – Metallic Blue, Red Alert, Brilliant Silver, Super Black and Aspen White

Platform and Powertrain

  • Nissan "C" platform
  • Front engine/front-wheel drive
  • SE-R rated at 177 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm
  • 16-valve QR25DE High Output 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine
  • SE-R Spec V rated at 200 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm resulting from extensive modifications to the engine, including:
    - Unique resin intake manifold and dual branch exhaust manifold
    - Revised piston crown shape
    - Iridium-tipped spark plugs
    - Revised cam-shaft profile
    - Reinforced connecting rods
    - An 8 counterweight crankshaft
    - 10.5:1 compression ratio, 7,000 rpm redline
  • Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission standard on SE-R Spec V
  • Specially modified Nissan Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddle shifters standard on SE-R
  • Available Helical Limited-Slip Differential on SE-R Spec V

Suspension, Steering and Braking

  • Sport tuning for SE-R Spec V suspension, which includes higher rate springs, shocks and dampers
  • Independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
  • Torsion beam rear suspension with integral stabilizer bar
  • Reinforced cowl top structure and unique trunk-mounted "V" brace on SE-R Spec V for increased body rigidity
  • Electric power-assisted steering (EPS)
  • Standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
  • P225/45WR17 summer performance tires on SE-R Spec V; 225/45VR17 all-season tires on SE-R
  • Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); SE-R features 11.7-inch front/11.5-inch rear discs; SE-R Spec V includes high capacity 12.6-inch front/11.5-inch rear discs

Interior Features

  • Sport-type front bucket seats with silver stitching and embroidered SE-R logo
  • Unique seat fabrics, meter cluster with two additional gauges (G-meter and oil pressure)
  • Sport leather-appointed steering wheel (SE-R Spec V includes silver stitching) and shifter knob (Spec V only)
  • Aluminum pedal pads
  • Roomy, high quality interior
  • Electric actuated heating and ventilation controls with a 26-step fan speed control
  • Standard 6-speaker 160-watt AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary input jack, Radio Data System and 4.3-inch color display and USB connection port
  • MP3 CD playback capability, Interface System for iPod®
  • Available 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system
  • Available XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
  • Available Nissan Intelligent Key® keyless entry system (not available on SE-R Spec V)
  • Available RearView Monitor

Safety and Security

  • Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors
  • Front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags
  • Roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
  • Front seat Active Head Restraints
  • LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
  • Front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors
  • Standard 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions
  • Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones
  • Child safety rear door locks
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
  • Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS)

Models and Manufacturing

  • Offered in two performance models: SE-R and SE-R Spec V
  • Assembled by Nissan Mexicana SA de CV (NMEX-DF), Aguascalientes, Mexico

Source: Nissan

Gallery: Nissan Sentra SE-R (2012)